Tuesday, August 29, 2017

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Mike Stern

Artist:Mike Stern
Song:Wing And A Prayer
Album:Between The Lines





Jazz guitarist Mike Stern started out as a sideman and he began to record as a leader in the 80s. He had a pretty good run on Atlantic including this 1996 album Between The Lines. He is respected by his peers for his technique. He recently had serious health problems due to a fall. But he has returned and is currently on tour. He was born Michael Sedgwick Jan. 10, 1953 in Boston. His cousin is actress Kyra Sedgwick so he's less than six degrees from Kevin Bacon. Stern grew up in Washington and attended Berklee. After graduation, he joined Blood, Sweat and Tears from 1976-78. Then he joined Billy Cobham's band in 1979. In 1981 he joined Miles Davis' band until John Scofield replaced him in 1983. Apparently Stern was drinking heavily and was addicted to heroin. Davis told him to go to rehab or leave. He worked with Jaco Pastorius when both guys were heavy drug users. Stern finally got clean with Michael Brecker's help. Stern signed a record deal with Atlantic and toured and recorded with Brecker in the late 80s. Stern recorded for Atlantic from 1986-2001 so he had a good run there. Wing And A Prayer is from Stern's 1996 album Between The Lines with his touring trio of Jeff Andrews on bass and Dave Weckl on drums. On sax is Bob Malach from the Bob Mintzer Big Band and Jim Beard played keyboards and produced the album. It was one of several Stern albums that was Grammy nominated. It's available as a budget CD. Since leaving Atlantic, he has recorded mostly for Heads Up Records. In 2012 Guitar Player Magazine gave Stern a Certified Legend award. On July 3, 2016, Stern tripped and fell while hailing a cab. He broke both arms and suffered nerve damage in his right hand. After two surgeries, he was able to play guitar again. He has to glue the guitar pick to his hand. Stern has been touring with trumpeter Randy Brecker and his new album Trip will be released Sept. 8. Those who are guitar technique fans will want to check out Mike Stern. Here's Mike Stern with Jeff Andrews and Dave Weckl performing Wing And A Prayer at the 1996 Nancy Jazz Festival in France.

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